[Jonah]

I take BEC Saturday. I have taken one mock exam (scored a 59), and I work full time as an audit associate at a Big 4. How can I use these next few days to maximize my study experience?

I am prepared to study from 5:30-7:30am and then from 5pm to 9pm for the rest of the week. The writing portion stresses me out because all the examples seem like long essays and mine are about 1/2 to 3/4 the length. Should I invest in Ninja MCQ’s, keep hitting Becker MCQ’s, do the Becker Final Review? Take more mock exams??

[CH89]

I probably would not continue taking mock exams, as that time could be spent doing MCQs in weaker areas. I would probably continue to focus on MCQs in your weak areas. I do not use Becker, so I can't say or vouch for the Becker Final Review, but if you seem to be answering the Becker MCQs out of memorization then maybe get Ninja MCQs. Have you had a chance to review the AICPA sample test for BEC?

[Lindsey_p87]

I would definitely suggest the AICPA practice exam, but other than that the best thing to do is hit random sets of MCQ and hammer your weaker areas. Don't stress about the writing portion, you don't need a super lengthy essay to do well. I'd say 5-6 short paragraphs is fine – intro, 3-4 body depending on the topic, and conclusion. They are mostly looking for format, spelling, punctuation, and clear communication. A lot of times the prompt will make it obvious how to structure the response.

FAR - PASSED 11/14
AUD - TBD
BEC - TBD
REG - First take 2/16

[Cruz818]

I agree with the above – MCQ on weaker areas + AICPA practice exam.

As for the writing section (from a Another71 poster named “D”, who posted this in Aug 2016):

1) Start your 1st paragraph by restating the purpose of your memo (i.e. addressing the problem) and why you're writing it. Maybe start with 1-2 sentences.
2) 2nd/3rd paragraphs(3-4 sentences max each) provide detail on your recommendations and/or what you are advising and why.
3) Finally, restate #1. (“I hope this helped to address your concerns around ________________________.) Then be sure to say something around the sorts of “feel free to contact me if any questions/concerns… Sincerely, Your Name, CPA.. etc.”

I used the template above and got a ‘stronger' scoring on the written part.

Best of luck, you got this!

[Jonah]

Thank you!! I kinda agree on the mock exams- I am going to hammer some MCQ's. I got a free trial of Ninja for BEC so hopefully if I get too familiar with Beckers I can go through those too. I usually do AICPA mock exam the day before the exam. Heres to hoping!

[Author]

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